BBM
Great informational posts! I know that I read them, but I don't think my brain processed the content.
All four children are in social services’ protective custody. Detective Filljaw also said that the mother is currently cooperating with police “at this time.”
Are all four (4) children still in protective custody?
What would CP need to be doing, to bring them all home?
I'm guessing there are procedures in place when someone in the household has been charged with a crime? Wait, I'm going to attempt to answer that.
Could all the children be undergoing interviews? Would that in any way be part of the reunification process? And does anyone have knowledge of the time that would take?
Okay. I believe the brain is working better now. The CC meltdown is being placed under control. I apologize if I stepped on any toes. I am opinionated when vulnerable people are victimized. IMO just so outrageously happy that SP was rescued!
ETA: Punctuation
From my experience with working with kids, when CPS opens a case like this, ( When there is suspected abuse) there is a thorough investigation.
This would include interviewing the siblings and anyone else who is close to the family, looking at all school records, medical records, dental records, and mental health records.
It should also include going to the school and interviewing teachers. In this case that would difficult since the previous school is out of state, but that information is important.
The initial investigation could last several weeks. They need to speak to SP, so that may take longer considering the circumstances.
If they decide to keep the case open, it could remain open for a year or longer. During this time they would supervise the family, assigning a case worker who checks in regularly and helps the family with any services they need. That could include therapy.
If they find they have enough evidence to charge a parent with neglect, then they will take the case to court. The child may become a "ward of the state," and custody is taken away from the parent. It may be just for the child that was neglected, not for the siblings.
The child would remain in foster care until the parent is able to prove that he or she is a fit parent. This may include taking parenting classes, going to therapy alone, attending therapy with the child, or anything that is ordered by the court to help them be a better parent. The parent may also have visitation during this time.
The parent then has to win back custody of the child/ children. It could take a year, or years, depending on the situation.
Sometimes they will start with supervised visits until they feel the parent is responsible enough to have custody again. Imo